I’m Not a Robot: 31-32 (Final)

Come ye all and enter into the kingdom of puppyness, where from beginning to end, it’s been worth every minute. Moving, funny, painful and sweet, its finished picture is a deft and lovely expression of human relationships—of friends, lovers, brothers, confidants, and even enemies—and how they come to change both themselves and each other. For the last time, everyone, let’s play!

Episode 31: “A new beginning”

Baek-gyun gives Min-kyu the video that Aji-3 recorded Martin confessing to the murder of Chairman Park, which is evidence that Chairman Hwang didn’t do it. He suggests he go along to the emergency board meeting with Min-kyu, but Min-kyu says that won’t solve their problem—he’s going to make it so that his illness can never be used against him again.

Yoo-chul is parked at Min-kyu’s gates. He starts when Butler Sung knocks on the window and asks him inside. Over tea and cakes, Butler Sung reminisces warmly about the boys’ childhood.

Yoo-chul guesses that he must have known about Min-kyu’s illness, but he’s shocked to learn that it started fifteen years ago—most likely because he was deeply hurt by people after his parents died, Butler Sung thinks.

Yoo-chul thinks back to how Min-kyu had run screaming from him after signing the papers that day. Later, little Yoo-chul searched through his father’s desk and discovered that the papers were for claiming Min-kyu’s assets.

Butler Sung tells him that since that day, Min-kyu sequestered himself in his house, unable to have human contact, just enduring the pain and loneliness. “More than that, nobody came to seek him out. Why didn’t you seek him out then?” he asks Yoo-chul.

“Because I was sorry,” Yoo-chul replies quietly. Butler Sung reproaches the younger man, telling him that if he’s sorry, he has to say so.

Ri-el meets Yoo-chul a little later. “Min-kyu developing that illness… it was because of me,” he tells her in remorse. He says he acted like the victim to justify the things he and his father did against him.

Ri-el puts a comforting hand on his arm and tells him that it’s not too late for them to repair their friendship; Min-kyu will understand.

Min-kyu’s heart lamp lights up, rousing him from his thoughts. Jia’s busy worrying about his press conference the next day when Min-kyu calls her to say he’s outside. Joining him in his car, she asks if he’s okay.

Min-kyu puts a hand on her head and invokes Friend Mode. My faaaace is breaking from grinning! Jia tosses her head back and threatens to dispatch all his enemies. Laughing, Min-kyu tells her seriously that out of aaalll the women he knows, she’s the cutest and prettiest.

Of course, Jia points out that he doesn’t really know any other women (and he’d better not try). Hehehehe. She wants to be promoted back to the Pretty Squad, but Min-kyu refuses, explaining that she’s a level up: “Onion.” Aww, it’s her special level because she’s always revealing new layers, he teases.

Rejuvenated, Min-kyu thinks he can win his fight tomorrow, and turns down Jia’s offer to come along for moral support. “Since wherever I am, I know you’re always by my side,” he says. Jia motions for a kiss, and Min-kyu immediately obliges.

At the emergency board meeting the next day, Yoo-chul interrupts with the news of Min-kyu’s press conference, and suggests they watch it before proceeding.

We catch up to the end of the previous episode now, as Min-kyu faces a sea of reporters. From the back of the room, Jia waves at him encouragingly, until the image of her dissolves. Gaining courage, Min-kyu introduces himself to the press as a human allergy patient.

He explains his condition, describing how he always wore gloves and carried a baton. He says with deep appreciation that that he was able to carry out his duties thanks to Jin-bae, who’s onstage with him. Surprised by the attention, Jin-bae bows in acknowledgement.

Min-kyu tells them that he’s on the road to recovery. “Suddenly one day, a robot appeared in my life. I became friends with that robot,” he says.

At the lab, Jia and the Santa Maria team listen to him describe how at times the robot was a robot, and at times human, and how through inputting his feelings, this miracle happened. Min-kyu attributes his miracle to the work of Baek-gyun and his team, and says that from now on, KM Group will invest heavily in AI robotics development.

The room explodes with questions, and Min-kyu and Jin-bae share a private smile as reporters rapidly type headlines about a robot that comprehends human feelings.

The KM board members exclaim to see their stocks shoot up. Director Yoon calls the meeting back to order and raises Min-kyu’s dismissal. Yoo-chul interrupts again to oppose, saying that he thinks Min-kyu is the kind of leader the company needs.

Ri-el, too, raises her hand and voices support for Min-kyu’s leadership, to her father’s dismay. She and Yoo-chul smile at each other across the boardroom. Aw.

Min-kyu meets Ri-el and Yoo-chul in the now-empty boardroom. Ri-el tells him that Yoo-chul is to thank for winning the other directors. She leaves them to talk things out, and gives Yoo-chul an encouraging nod.

After a small silence, Yoo-chul says that he knew his father tried to cheat Min-kyu but blocked the knowledge out. That way, he could believe that his father meant well, he says, but admits now that he was cowardly and foolish.

“Though it’s so late, I’m sorry, Kim Min-kyu,” he says. Unable to meet Yoo-chul’s eyes, Min-kyu tells him that they’ve found evidence that Martin was the one who killed Chairman Park. He advises Yoo-chul to convince his father to come clean first to mitigate his sentence.

Grateful, Yoo-chul thanks him. As he leaves, Min-kyu stands in his way. Pulling off his glove, he holds out a hand to his old friend, saying with a smile that he somehow thinks it’ll be fine now.

The touch is tentative at first, but as his condition remains normal, Min-kyu clasps his friend’s hand firmly. Gah, just kill me now with your patched-up bromance and shy smiles.

Min-kyu’s so thrilled when Jia suggests over the phone that they meet up at the place they went the day it snowed that he kisses the phone in farewell… and nearly jumps out of his skin when sees Jin-bae standing right there. He’s been right there for quite sometime, since apparently Min-kyu didn’t hear him knock. Awkward.

Jin-bae asks Min-kyu to accept his resignation, now that everything’s been taken care of. Min-kyu tries to change his mind but Jin-bae remains firm about his decision.

Pi takes Baek-gyun out to go clothes-shopping so he can look smart for media interviews (Baek-gyun: “I can just wear what I’ve got!”). But when Pi starts talking about Min-kyu’s charisma and competence, he gets pouty and asks, “What about me?”

He gets more pouty when Pi says she’s used to him and there’s nothing left to find out. Amused, she pauses. “Shall we date?” she asks him with a smile. It throws him completely, but he starts to grin. “It’s cold, let’s go,” he says, taking her hand.

Ri-el comes home to her father drinking the hard liquor. She apologizes for not being the daughter he wanted. “In exchange, I’ll be happy, since what you really want deep in your heart is my happiness. I believe that,” she says.

That night, Min-kyu tells Jia how nervous he was at the press conference, until he imagined her there. He slips their joined hands into his pocket, and also tells her about making up with Yoo-chul. “And I was first to offer to shake hands,” he says proudly.

Jia teases him to look after he well since she’s his treasure, and he wraps her up in his scarf. “What do you want to do today? I’ll do everything you tell me,” Min-kyu promises.

Jia takes him to an arcade. His eyes pop and he wonders if he made one of these at home, would Jia come every day? Haha. Of course, Jia trounces him in just about everything and laughs at his haplessness. This girl is competitive, lol, I think Min-kyu’s a little scared. It’s too late, friend!

He totally owns the basketball simulator at least, and refuses to relinquish his victory, offering to buy dinner instead. Dinner turns out to pojangmacha fish cakes, which Min-kyu eyes suspiciously before taking a delicate nibble.

He asks Jia what kind of personality her brother has, and she promptly replies he’s the type who when he says “no,” it stays “no.” Min-kyu nearly chokes in dismay. He tells her that Jin-bae quit his job, and it’s Jia’s turn to be dismayed.

He picks the Santa Maria team’s brains about it afterwards, and Baek-gyun asks if he did anything wrong to Jin-bae. “Uhhh… in the past, a little bit…actuallyalot,” he confesses in a rush, “But not recently.”

He sinks lower and lower into his seat while Baek-gyun jokes that they seem to be embarking on Season 2 of Making Min-kyu Human. Whyyy would you tease something you’re not giving?! Ssan-ip snickers that Jin-bae must not like him as Jia’s boyfriend. Nooo, that’s not true!

Baek-gyun shushes him, but a laughing Min-kyu tells him that they really suit each other. His genuine happiness earns him a smile from Baek-gyun, and Min-kyu offers to tell him about the cool place he went to today. Aww.

Meanwhile at the Jo house, Hong-joo finds out that Jin-bae quit, and blows about eight fuses, ha. She demands that he retract his resignation, and Jin-bae quickly accedes. Sweet Hong-joo sure is frightful when roused, huh.

Jia tells Sun-hye about her plan to secure crowdfunding for her future ventures, and asks to rent out a corner of her shop. Sun-hye asks for a share of her profits instead, and the girls seal it with a cheer before Sun-hye runs out on a date.

Jin-bae and Min-kyu meet again, Min-kyu tapping his fingers nervously. He tells Jin-bae that he’s fine now, and grabs his hands to prove just how fine he is… before withdrawing in embarrassment. Always stay weird, Min-kyu!

Jin-bae mentions his resignation letter, and eager to do right, Min-kyu says he’ll process it right away. Poor Jin-bae can’t say a word, and Min-kyu guesses he must be uncomfortable because of Jia.

Afterwards, Min-kyu lies in a puddle of his own moping and calls Jia, who tells him she’s busy working right now. “Is work more important or am I more important?” he asks her. Hey, is that a trick question? Laughing, she promises to call him after she finishes.

Of course you couldn’t wait, you muppet. Min-kyu staggers into the coffee shop and flops into the seat opposite Jia. He tells her to keep working, “I’m just going to watch you,” he says, and proceeds to stare at her like a forlorn puppy.

Laughing, she stops her work and asks what’s wrong. He perks up immediately but as soon as he mentions Jin-bae, Jia exclaims that he was meant to take back his resignation. Min-kyu gasps that he accepted it, and they both groan.

“This won’t do,” she says, “Come to my house.”

Final Episode

Jia tells Min-kyu that her brother will never ask for his resignation back now, so it’s up to Min-kyu return it in front of Hong-joo, where it will be impossible for him to say no.

Min-kyu thinks it’s a great idea, and lights up at the possibility of seeing Jia’s room.

Sun-hye and Hok-tal are on a movie date (Like For Likes) and a kiss scene comes. They inch closer for a kiss of their own… and are assailed by popcorn-missiles from above, where Ssan-ip glares at them.

Baek-gyun takes Pi to the arcade. She’s wary at first, but suggests they add some stakes—winner buys a movie. It wouldn’t be fair to make the loser buy, she explains, and vows to win.

Pi proves herself a mean sharpshooter, but Baek-gyun just misses getting a plushie from the claw-machine. Wait, what? He missed getting one, but they walk away with like twenty they’ve already won!

On the other date, Ssan-ip watches Sun-hye and Hok-tal and laments his singledom. A group of foreign women enter the bar, and one of them recognizes Ssan-ip from the US. Coming alive, he joins their group, and this time Hok-tal is the one who keeps sneaking glances at him. Oh, you two. Lol.

Baek-gyun and Pi watch people pass by, and he reflects that they were so intent on making their robot that would connect with humans, that they forgot to connect with other humans themselves. He resolves to take time out like this more often.

Min-kyu visits Chairman Hwang. He tells him that he’s reinstating Yoo-chul, and that the three of them will take the company forward in a different way. He says that he and Yoo-chul won’t follow the ill-fated footsteps of their fathers and make the same mistakes.

On the drive back, Min-kyu talks to Dr. Oh, telling him that he’s over the injuries of the past. Dr. Oh warns that he could get hurt again, but Min-kyu laughs and says that he can make a friend of it now.

Min-kyu says he has another urgent call coming in. The doc guesses it’s Jia, and lets him go with a laugh. Jia tells Min-kyu that now is a good time for him to come, since both her brother and Hong-joo are home.

Jin-bae stays warily out of Hong-joo’s way at home, and little Dong-hyun whispers that no matter what anyone says, she’s on Dad’s side.

The doorbell rings, and Jin-bae totters back when he sees who’s at the door. Min-kyu, still a ball of awkward nerves around Jin-bae, says hesitantly that he’s here to see him.

“Oh! It’s Kim Min-kyu ajusshi!” Dong-hyun exclaims. To Jin-bae’s further surprise, Min-kyu says back, “Hi, Jo Dong-hyun.” They grin conspiratorially and this is so cute I think I’m going to die for the forty-fourth time already.

Jin-bae hides out in his room while Hong-joo takes care of their guest. Ha, you can tell she’s totally bedazzled by him. Min-kyu takes in Jia’s home with fascinated curiosity, especially the wall of photos, many of which show Jia growing up. His gaze lands on a photo of her father. “I’ve wanted to meet you,” he says to it quietly.

Whispering, Dong-hyun asks him if his allergy is better. “Yes, it’s all better,” he whispers back. He confirms that the person he liked so much was indeed her aunt. “But it’s a secret,” he tells her, sharing another grin. Aww.

A little later, the ladies thrill over his gifts, and he exchanges a wink with Jia. Jin-bae finally emerges for the meal, and Min-kyu tries desperately to work up some courage. Hong-joo whispers privately to Jia that it feels like the men are on a blind date, haha.

Well this won’t do, so Hong-joo asks Min-kyu what brings him here. Clearing his throat, he replies slowly that he can’t do without Jin-bae. To Jin-bae, he declares, “I like you, very much. Because you are a colleague and a mentor I always want by my side.”

He returns Jin-bae’s resignation letter and asks him to tear it up with his own hands. Jin-bae agrees on one condition: “Though you’re my director at work, outside work, can I treat you like my little sister’s boyfriend?”

Min-kyu finally gets to see Jia’s room, and genuine wonderment fills his face as he surveys the walls covered in her ideas. He flips through her sketchbook and comes across the designs for her umbrella, and even the heart lamps.

Laughing at the sketch of the floor-cleaning onesie, he reveals that he owns all of her inventions. Jia can’t believe it, and they’re juuust about to kiss when Dong-hyun bursts in with the news that Hong-joo’s gone into labor.

Min-kyu immediately offers to take them to the hospital. In the car, Jin-bae’s more anxious than his wife, and Dong-hyun comforts him by pointing out that she turned out alright.

Jia, Min-kyu and Dong-hyun anxiously wait for news, and Jin-bae finally comes out and tells them that Hong-joo’s delivered a healthy baby daughter.

Two years later. Baek-gyun presents the team’s newest AI robot to a full house, while Pi, Hok-tal and Ssan-ip watch him proudly from the sidelines. He talks about the human instinct to make connections, and explains how their robot is modelled to connect with people through their emotions, in the hope of improving human lives.

Elsewhere, a soldier gets off a bus. NO WAY, is that… ?

Jin-bae—now a director—gets home from work and the family rushes around to get ready: They can’t be late! Ri-el wraps up a meeting and finds Yoo-chul waiting for her outside. They head off together, also hoping not to be late somewhere.

At his clinic, Dr. Oh also checks his watch and heads out. Sun-hye locks up her café for the day and runs for it, already late.

Jia demonstrates her heart lamps to some foreign buyers, conversing easily in English. They put in an order and have enthusiastic ideas for marketing campaigns, though Jia begins to get restless, checking her watch.

It’s snowing by the time a cab drops the soldier off at Min-kyu’s gates. As he walks up the path, Jia’s there to meet him coming down, and at last, we see Min-kyu’s face, which is just radiant with happiness.

Jia opens her umbrella over them, and he says, “I really missed you!” She congratulates him on his discharge, and says everyone’s waiting for him.

They walk up together, and he’s excited to hear about her contract. But just as she’s about to tell him about a new idea, she slips.

He catches her by the waist, and she looks up at him, a grin forming on both their lips. “This is the moment you have to kiss,” he tells her, before dipping in to kiss her.

He presses the button that makes the umbrella opaque, as the snow continues to fall around them.

COMMENTS

NO, guys, what is this?? How can we have all this build-up to what was going to be an epic reunion and then just end it there?! This drama is literally one scene short of being the best thing ever! I’m so unhappy! And greedy! Like it wasn’t enough for this whole show to have been otherwise perfect from beginning to end!

Seriously, though. It’s a little bit strange to create that tension and then not bring it to a fitting send-off, especially when all of these characters really mattered, and we cared so much about them. But I can see the poetry in that, too, I guess, since this second half has been a gentle winding down that puts our characters back into their everyday lives, so we’re able to leave the show with the feeling that this world carries naturally on.

This drama has consistently employed unusual methods to drive its story, and I particularly enjoyed how the corporate machinations were always minimized, and never allowed to overshadow our characters. As company politics take the spotlight this hour, it’s plain that its purpose is to deliver character beats rather than high drama, which it does with a quiet panache that is very much in keeping with the show’s lowkey style.

I’m Not a Robot introduced itself to us with all the trappings of a modern fairytale, full of symbolism we recognized and themes we understood. But after situating us in the familiar, it went ahead to be everything we didn’t expect, in the loveliest way possible. Did it hurt us? Absolutely. I can still feel my cheek on the cold ground of my aching heart. But it also fed us and made us grow, and we could appreciate what the pain taught us about the sweetness that followed. Now, as daily concerns take over, the shape of Min-kyu’s miracle is in the little things, whether that’s holding Jia’s hand, Jin-bae calling him “Min-kyu-ya,” being able to consult a whole cadre of nerdy agony aunts, or sharing dating tips with Baek-gyun. He’s gained not one surrogate family, but three, in the Santa Maria team (finding a true hyung in Baek-gyun), Jia’s family, and his childhood friends, the KM duo of Ri-el and Yoo-chul. What’s really extraordinary is how hard he’s worked for every relationship, using the currency of his own efforts and feelings. He put himself on the line for each person, giving up pieces of himself into their keeping. That’s a far cry from the guy who once called his dinner guests Researchers 1, 2 and 3.

This show is underpinned by themes of change, self-awareness and humanity, and those threads culminate in an overarching question of the necessity of human contact. It’s the philosophical inquiry at the heart of Aji-3’s existence, and its many problems are expressed and addressed in a literal way through the medium of Min-kyu’s allergy. We find that contact leads to connection, and connection requires contact, but both need to be preceded by a degree of trust, and trust requires courage—and that sums up Min-kyu’s entire personal journey. We met him as someone who’d deliberately put up the highest walls he could, and while Jia was instrumental in bringing them down, he had to decide for himself whether he would come out. That’s no small step to take, because to trust someone is to be willingly vulnerable—to know they can hurt you but believe that they won’t. It accepts the risk that you could get hurt nevertheless, but it’s deciding that the relationship is worth the pain it might also bring. I’m really happy with where we left Min-kyu, and like him, I think he’ll be okay now.

I can’t remember the last time I shipped a couple in real life so hard (maybe Healer?). I just love that we didn’t need to dig deep to understand why Min-kyu and Jia are so right for each other, and the closer you look, the more reasons you find. It’s actually not just them—it’s the entire set of oddballs in the Santa Maria team. One of the things I find just so great is how both Min-kyu and Baek-gyun bring no ego to their relationships. Whatever faults they have, they’re not a result of mainstream toxic masculinity, which makes sense because both of them have mostly existed outside common socialization. It gives them a charming emotional honesty which I’d worry about if their hearts weren’t in such safe hands.

I’m so proud of Pi for taking her fate into her own hands and making it look easy, but I do wish she had her curls back (you had two years to fix it!). I also adore the Ssan-ip/Hok-tal relationship, though Ssan-ip definitely needs to get out of Mom and Dad’s Hok-tal and Sun-hye’s hair, the big baby. I’m not even going to admit how many times I rewatched the Dong-hyun/Min-kyu bits, but I’m still not tired of them. Gah! Everything is too adorable, how am I meant to deal with it? It’s particularly rewarding that Min-kyu isn’t the only one experiencing growth and change, and Baek-gyun especially has had some of the most significant character development, driven in particular by the notion that people change. That’s been at the heart of all our characters’ actions, but it shows in him the most. Dramatic changes like Min-kyu’s are different; Baek-gyun was all about the small changes that come from increasing self-knowledge and awareness.

But you know, this show was so affecting because even with its high-concept premise, it set out to tell a human story from the start and never lost sight of that, despite disappointing ratings. It was always about people on an individual level, and it examined them with candor and detail. I can tap out a glib line about how the drama captured our imaginations, but that’s a pale description for how deeply it gripped our hearts, how personally invested we became in the outcome, and the intensity with which we experienced each week’s soaring highs and depthless lows. Thanks to all of you who made this such a rich and wonderful journey (and damn 2018, can you top this?). We’ve laughed together and cried together (so many tears, and not the pretty kind), and now, ready or not, it’s time to say goodbye to this world.

January 28, 2018 at 6:07 AM

UNREGISTERED

Thanks for the recap! Wow...overall, that was a heck of a satisfying ending. I do agree, I wish we’d seen everyone all together for the end, but I still felt like the story ran its full course, and while I’m sad to say goodbye to our characters, I still felt like the story was complete in a rewarding and satisfactory way. That final scene had me just smiling like an idiot, and it somehow didn’t feel too mushy or like overkill.

I loved how our main couple was so delightful once they finally did get together - so many times, the couple getting together is the entire point of the drama, and once they do everything seems to stagnate. However, this drama was about more than that - it was also about the necessity of human connection in general, platonic or romantic, and the ways in which those connections heal and change us as people. Ji-ah and Min-kyu are friends as well as being romantically involved and I loved how their interactions reflected that.

Overall, I’m so glad I picked up this drama, because it certainly gave me the warm fuzzies necessary to make it through the winter!

January 28, 2018 at 6:11 AM

UNREGISTERED

I struggled with the absurd premise of this show in the beginning, but the drama won me over as it went along. I think the actors did a great job of selling the characters and made ridiculous situations almost believable. I also give the writer points for making Jia an inventor and entrepreneur. Pi is pretty awesome too.

January 30, 2018 at 4:28 PM

February 26, 2018 at 10:07 AM

January 28, 2018 at 3:35 PM

UNREGISTERED

I thought i was feeling better about this drama ending but the recap brought back all the feels. Watch me flail about helplessly on my fanwall this wednesday evening without these puppies to calm me down.

January 28, 2018 at 6:33 AM

UNREGISTERED

Awww, sweetness overload (insert silly grin). Where else can I find another cutiepie couple like this.. YSH should do more lighter dramas. Office politics be damned, bad guys always get their comeuppance.

There is a real Kim Min Kyu in dramaland and voila, surprise, surprise, he is equally cute too.

January 28, 2018 at 6:46 AM

UNREGISTERED

I love this drama for the many friendships, and the way each of our main characters worked their way towards redemption. I'm a sucker for frenemies, and I felt so relieved that Yoo Chul and Ri El proved to be good friends in the end. And I love the way our OTP bridged back their trust and relationship by talking things out – even the angst was believable, a rarity in K dramas. I love the show for all that Saya has beautifully laid out.

BUT THE ENDING WAS SO SLAPDASH. Or rather, the final scenes were of things that didn't even matter at all.

Min-Kyu has never seemed particularly sad about not being able to go to the army, so why would that suddenly matter now? And if these ppl are so excited to see him, why did they not pick him up from camp (or whenever families do)? Why were they instead waiting for him to bus and cab home?! And it's not even like a surprise party.

I do care that Ji Ah is finally getting a taste of success, and that Santa Maria gets their own time in the spotlight. But apart from Ji Ah's biz deal and the Santa Maria presentation, none of the other quotidian scenes gave meaningful details of their lives. The army related bits can totally be scrapped and the time put to better use. I'd rather more scenes of them together – that big family happiness –than individuals wrapping up their work day.

Also, after all that teasing about Madame X (since ep 21 had the scene of Butler Sung and the go-between lady), why did we not get closure on that part?

I was looking forward to the last episode because I thought it'll finally wrap up plot points – Madam X, Min-Kyu and Yoo Chul's estranged friendship, recognition for Santa Maria, validation for Ji-Ah's entrepreneurial spirit) – with proper details. The show was doing so well so I was stunned that it suddenly ended with such low impact.

January 28, 2018 at 7:55 AM

UNREGISTERED

About Min-kyu going to the army - it's compulsory, he only didn't do it for so long because he had the allergy but now that he's cured/has it under control and is still under 35, he can't exactly avoid it esp after declaring in a press conference that he's ok now. Also it's a sort of rite of passage for all able South Korean men even if it's not exactly something they like, so I guess Min-kyu and fam took it as another part of his return to normalcy especially since the drama opened with Min-kyu failing an army physical.

(not sure why they didn't all go scoop him up from his camp lol, but my brain is clouded by too many warm fuzzies and squealing, also I don't mind the idea that they have demands on their time that don't make it totally feasible so instead they just welcome him home).

January 31, 2018 at 4:10 PM

UNREGISTERED

I actually found the army part quite touching. Yeah, it was never Min Kyu's personal goal and service is compulsory if you're deemed fit for duty, but the fact that he was finally able to serve was like the last nail in the coffin of his human allergy. I think it was especially great for closure because the first time we saw his allergic reaction was during his health screening for the army. Besides, who are we to complain about a few shots of Yoo Seung Ho looking absolutely dashing in uniform. (;

January 28, 2018 at 3:12 PM

UNREGISTERED

I came here determined to be positive because I felt like the party pooper of the comments section for the penultimate episode but I completely agree. I didn't think we needed so much time on Min Kyu's relationship with Jin Bae, for example, when Aji3 was arbitrarily tossed aside last episode.

Kdramas meander to their ending. I just have to accept that at this stage.

January 28, 2018 at 3:24 PM

UNREGISTERED

I liked the bit with Jin Bae. But I did think that if they'd cut the final kissing scene down from 1 min to 30 seconds, they would have had time to explain who Madam X was. (and I wouldn't have had to feel sorry for the poor actors)

January 30, 2018 at 9:09 AM

UNREGISTERED

YES! That kiss was way too long. And as much as I was happy that Min Kyu was happy for Ji Ah, I felt like, "that's it? we're not going to see everyone else because the kiss took up all the time?" And it's not as though this kiss really did anything because it was mostly panning. Bah.

January 29, 2018 at 6:21 PM

UNREGISTERED

I also felt like there was way too much focus on Jin Bae (he's a jerk idc) but it was kinda sweet to see the entire family together and it gave us an excuse to see MK browse through Jia's sketchbook (and it gave me anxiety cause I hate when people look at my sketches but also UGH I melted it was so sweet) and nothing gives me more joy than Jia being praised because I love her

January 29, 2018 at 6:34 PM

A kdrama scene involving somebody's bedroom that was about their achievements and how much the other person respects them for their brains?

Little things like this are why I am trying not to qualify my love for this show just because I was slightly disappointed in the last two hours.

And yes Jin Bae was a jerk and he stayed a jerk and I love this show because of when the Professor gave Jin Bae the "fyi we're both jerks" talk. And Jin Bae didn't care that he was a jerk but the Professor *stopped being a jerk*.

January 30, 2018 at 9:15 AM

UNREGISTERED

That sketchbook scene was actually one of the more romantic points for their relationship. Because it showed how he's always respected her works and that they've had this connection (in terms of wavelength, I mean - I'm not one for "destiny") even before they met. Ji Ah just about floated when he was praising her umbrella invention, and that was just double the validation because he liked her stuff purely on their own merit, than because he cares for her. I was a little miffed that we didn't get to find out how he ended up with that cleaning suit.

January 30, 2018 at 9:07 AM

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Phew, thank goodness I'm not the only grumpy one here.

I liked the fact that Min Kyu and Jin Bae's interactions changed because he's dating Ji Ah, and I particularly love the part about Hong Joo ruling over Jin Bae. But I could have been happy to like do just 3/4 of the time given to Min Kyu-Jin Bae (like the scene about rushing Hong Joo to the hospital was nice, but not essential) and give more time to Aji 3/Madame X.

You're right about K dramas always faltering at that last bit. I can't really remember many dramas that handled it well. I think Lookout/The Guardians did it a bit better, but it still wasn't perfect. Most dramas seem to kinda sag after episode 12-14. )=

January 28, 2018 at 6:51 AM

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Thank you for making the start of our 2018 drama watching great, INAR! I'm going to miss you and your characters a lot!

This drama easily became one of my top favorites, as it's the romcom everyone hoped to have and the sort-of melo that we didn't expect. I really love the way INAR portrayed the importance of family, friendship, and trust through the not-so-normal lives of our puppy leads, Min-kyu and Ji-a. The ending was everything I hoped for a show filled with so much love, and while I hoped to see a complete reunion of the characters at the end, the real explanation who Madame X is, how the new robot can touch other people's lives (and its new appearance!), and how Min-kyu gave Ji-a the necklace again, it was really satisfying in its own way!

I will no longer have a show full of fluff to watch on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and I'll probably rewatch bits and pieces of the show in the future again. I'm going to miss you a lot show, your characters, and the people I've became friends with because of you! Thank you for touching our lives! 😊

April 22, 2018 at 11:11 AM

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'It's the romcom everyone hoped to have and the sort-of melo that we didn't expect' My thoughts exactly! It was incredibly fluffy but also showed mature and developed characters (honestly, I preferred it to Because this is our first life). It kept subverting k-drama tropes in order to show us real people with whom we could empathize. For instance, I totally loved how the writers handled the childhood friends: at the beginning they were shown as the typical bitchy first love and traitorous chaebol ex-best friend, but we could see that she was a fierce woman that cared for her friends and acknowledged she was in love with another one, and he was against Min Kyu because he felt guilty and hurt for having been attacked without knowing what the reason was. SO, when the misunderstandings were cleared, they showed that they were good people and in Min Kyu's side.

Same thing with the Santa Maria team, but I thing they have received enough praise from everyone in Dramabeans. I will only say I love them.

And a final detail I loved: Aji 3 final journey back home. It was so moving.

April 29, 2018 at 10:50 AM

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You mentioned some really good points! All those mysteries and the jump of 2 years aside, I was hoping for a reunion scene because everyone seems to be going somewhere. It doesn't just seem fitting enough to just end the scene with a kiss! I wanted more! :'(

January 28, 2018 at 6:57 AM

January 28, 2018 at 6:57 AM

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Dear Show, I do love everything about you.

I ♥♥♥ that we spent the last 4 eps seeing their happily-ever-after: the I-really-miss-you-but-I-have-work-to-do, the no-matter-how-much-I-know-about-you-there’s-still-more-to-learn (MK’s face after Jia’s ‘die!’ was priceless). I love that MK loved her brain long before he had set eyes on her. I even love the incompleteness of the story - the fact that it does not feel the need to explain everything and can leave stuff to the imagination (like Jia getting back the necklace, or the kitchen kiss ending, or when exactly did Jia move in). I even like the fact that MK never found out that X was the butler. A little bit of mystery, a sense of wonder, that’s the right way to end things. Also lots of kisses.

I’m ending this ride with a question: “What kind of person are you?” I wonder…. If Jia could teach compassion to a robot, why not do a bit of learning for ourselves… In the world that we currently live in, that’s a powerful message indeed. Thank you IANAR team. Thank you recappers and fellow beanie who made this an extra memorable experience. Thank you, Show. You shall be missed.

January 28, 2018 at 9:14 AM

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Goodbye Jia, goodbye Min-kyu, goodbye Santamaria team...no no no ... i don’t want to say goodbye to this show.... but every thing gets to an end....
I will miss every part of this, the show, the recaps..thank you Saya,...and I will mis your coments CHARLIE... you always have something to add... emotional and well written
I will miss all the coments here in dramabeans...
I will miss you all...

January 28, 2018 at 11:06 AM

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I hope we'll end up liking another drama soon cause I miss your comments already <3
I really like that bit from the earliest episodes when Jia asks Min-kyu who he is and he starts off by talking about his possessions. And when he, much later, talks to the real Aji3, she kind of echoes the question by asking him if he's the same person he was when they first met, and he declines. I think this theme of constant self-reflection and existential journeys our characters went through were really smart and relatable and it's one of the reasons I almost want to say that it leaves me a better person. Ew.
I both agree that it's nice to keep some things left unsaid, and disagree because that means there are still moments I could write fics about and it's dangerous. Last time I was this captivated by a story my friends lost contact with me for weeks.

January 28, 2018 at 7:08 AM

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The greatest strengths of this show for me are the writing and the fantastic chemistry between Chae Soo Bin and Yoo Seung Ho. While the premise may be considered nonsensical, it is indeed a hopeful and charming human story from start to finish which CSB and YSH sold big time. We laughed, bickered, swooned, cried, had our hearts broken, and fell in love with them along the way. The reset scene, with the two leads complimenting and saying goodbye to each other as human and (faux)robot, could have come out cringey and absurd at the hands of another PD team and set of actors. Instead, the whole team gave us a scene so perfectly and beautifully done that it broke our hearts and made us feel so much for our characters.

Thank you very much for the thoughtful, funny and and well-written recaps and comments, @saya. You and @teriyaki are the best. I'm seriously going to miss this show so much, ugh, even those brutal cliffhangers. How am I going to survive this week without looking forward to Wednesdays and Thursdays? (Though Youtube is now showing episodes of CSB's old drama, House of Bluebird, on my feed.)

April 22, 2018 at 12:16 PM

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Yeah, many people say that the premise is unbelievable and the plot is too simple, but in truth, the premise is pretty classic in science-fiction. Has anyone seen "AI Artifical Intelligence", "Her" or "Blade Runner"? (BTW, "I'm a Cyborg but that's OK" is a little k-movie jewel).

So the premise requires the typical suspension of belief you need to enjoy fantasy and science-fiction. If you don't like those genres, you won't like this show.

But if you like them and accept the initial premise, then you will see that the show is, at its core, a fairy tale. Thanks to a heroine that pretends to be a robot, the hero learns to trust people again and opens up to human relations. The message, therefore, is the importance of human relations for our happiness and the requirement of trust for those relations.

It also deals with classic sci-fi themes as what makes humans 'human' when compared with advanced androids (can machines have a heart?) and if technology really can replace humans. So the show is not simple at all. You know what is simple? Revenge k-dramas with arrogant chaebols and crazy mother-in-laws.

So, all in all, it's true that the plot is simple, because it needs to be: it's a fairy tale about human trust and emotions. And it's hard to believe simply because it's science-fiction. I happen to be a geeky fan of sci-fi, so I loved it.

April 22, 2018 at 2:04 PM

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*rises from the dead* the only unrealistic thing about the premise was Min-kyu's allergic reaction. the age of AI is coming and fast, robots already are used in therapies (PARO and PEPPER are one of the more popular ones, the latter was even acknowledged in the drama if I remember correctly) and I think if the writer had toned it down a bit and just made him have severe social anxiety the ratings would have been much better.
Then again, Koreans aren't known for their empathy towards mental illness, so who knows.
Personally, I don't watch dramas for realism in the setting but rather in characterization, so I'm buying it.

April 23, 2018 at 2:08 PM

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Yes, the allergy was maybe too much, but there are many psychosomatic illnesses where the the body shows physical symptoms that have a psychological cause, like stress derived from social anxiety. Sooo, the human allergy may be stretching it a bit too much, but worse things have happened in k-dramas. And there are pretty strange allergies in real life, you can even be allergic to sunlight or to water!

April 23, 2018 at 3:35 PM

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Most definitely, but since his allergy was psychosomatic it looked way too dramatic. But hey, human body is weird and the stakes needed to be higher and the transformation suited the fairy tale concept. We even got our magic rose shaped like a smartwatch.
I just honestly don't understand why so many drama viewers had such issues with this particular suspension of disbelief.

January 28, 2018 at 7:12 AM

I think I teared up a bit after reading your comments @saya. Those were such beautiful words. Your recaps have been so awesome, so thank you for making this experience even better!

It was perfect. Everything. Ugh. I don't even know where to start. I'm a mess.

I actually quite liked not seeing the big reunion. Because the thing I hate most about endings is: a terrible/nonsensical ending or an ending where it feels like the characters don't live on after the last page is turned. But somehow this drama took that leap (BEST use of finale leap in the history of leaps) and it really felt like we've just seen part of their experiences, yet they have whole lives to live. And while we didn't see them reuniting on screen, that they are quite obviously a huge part of each other's lives - I think that's the best way for me to believe they are living on. And I can't think of a better sentiment to end at.

I really enjoyed Jin-bae and Min-kyu's beyond awkward conversations. I was screaming to my pillow whenever one of them embarrassed themselves in front of the other. Mostly it was just Min-kyu 😂 So happy my girl Ri-el got the best of both worlds. She gets to still keep her dignity and career while possibly changing her dad for the better. And... she gets to be with Yoo-chul! Min-kyu's fantastic words to Yoo-chul's father really made me so proud of him ~ my dad and you might have been enemies, but Yoo-chul, Ri-el and I won't make the same mistakes. We will make a better KM Financial. I mean that's just the perfect moment combining revenge, forgiveness and resolution.

And how genius of the writer to get Min-kyu to serve in the army? I basically squealed. Instead of getting a fluffy (dare I say useless?) wedding scene or something of that dramatics, we saw Min-kyu come full circle in becoming a regular guy that he's always hoped to be. The parallels in that last scene was gorgeous. I love that Jia doesn't come running to him dramatically like they haven't seen each other in 18 months. They just look at each other with heart eyes, big smiles and a look of relief that it's over. Because of course she met up with him often. Military has days off and holidays and she obviously went to visit him and he spent his holidays with her. It's very obvious they have a steady and beautiful relationship that continued in these two years rather than stopped because someone had to go away. It's so very different from every leap drama I've ever seen.

January 28, 2018 at 7:17 AM

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Cont....

I imagine she updates him on their families and her inventions, and he probably tells her countless stories about his military life. So when he was finally back, the first thing she tells him is congratulations, I can't believe this day has come (when they don't have to say goodbye anymore). Then she just asks in such a casual way, aren't u hungry?

Gah! That's just so utterly mundane and blissful. I'm so happy with the writing it's not even funny. The way she started stories on her contract and current idea, it was extremely domestic. I'd like to believe they're engaged actually. It's not some wish lol, they really just give me that vibe. And that kiss? Come on! The parallels, starting off seriously, then moving on to giggles. It's too adorable to be described in mere words. What a perfect ending to an absolutely imperfect yet perfect drama.

As everyone has discussed numerous times, I hope YSH and CSB can reunite. Or date (because I can really get behind that ship ~ in my mind, there's a chance of it sailing all the way to the correct destination) 😂 Madness aside, I'd love to see them in a sageuk one day like Princess Man. Or even a pure melodrama. Like Autumn Concerto's Korean remake which I've been waiting for for 10 years now lol. I really hope we see them again together because that kind of chemistry shouldn't be suppressed. It's a crime of the highest order 😂

It's been such a amazing and thrilling ride. The whole thing was perfect and even the discussion in DB were amazing. Thanks everyone for being so hilarious and fun to talk to. And to all the INAR team, you guys worked so hard! Thank you for this gem of a drama. It's something I'll keep rewatching and loving for a very long time.

January 28, 2018 at 11:15 PM

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I like your thoughts.^^ I think they are engaged because Ji-A is wearing Min Kyu's necklace. I'm also thinking that they are married since when he was with Re-Il Min Kyu went with her in a shop for bridal gowns. He was in a hurry to marry his first love, how much more his true love? I love everything about this drama and I'm terribly sad it ended. I'm currently rewatching it to comfort myself from being sad. Thank you show for the laughs, tears and for showing me the faces of human relationships. I wish the two leads will have projects together. I also wish they date and get married in real life so that we can see a really, really happy ending.

January 30, 2018 at 10:21 AM

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They’re definitely engaged. I definitely believe that lol. Because I don’t think Min-kyu would be able to leave without proposing to her. And I don’t think she’d allow him to go without getting back her necklace lol. Military is usually around 18-21 months so he had lots of time before the two year leap to propose and make them as official as possible ❤️

As for their real life, well, let’s just say I totally agree lol. I ship them a lot. It could be after effects of characters but they are definition of love together both as Min-kyu-Jia and YSH-CSB.

January 28, 2018 at 7:50 AM

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You know, this kind of time skip is the kind I can get behind in kdrama! I like your take behind it, it made absolute sense - no dramatic scene when they met because it's not like they didn't communicate or see each other in that two years they were apart (I eye roll every time a show had a time skip and the OTP didn't even bother to communicate during that two years apart - I mean what the &[email protected]? And yes, I'm talking to you, Beautiful Gong Shim and yes I'm still bitter about it even after 1.5 years!)

January 28, 2018 at 8:07 AM

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One of my biggest pet peeves in dramas is leaps. They are actually the dumbest thing to have been invented. Ugh. I like reincarnations, but leaps for 1-2 years because someone wants to 'rediscover' themselves by travelling or by going to school abroad is just UGH. After going through all that suffering to find each other (in general I mean) you then leave the person because...? The script says so? Nothing to fill the one episode with? Create 'impactful' finale that pisses people off? Literally no other ideas? I think every drama I've see that took such a short leap were plain stupid with their reasoning.

This drama hinted it so many times too with Australia thing, and yet this is what they give us. Min-kyu serving military (because it's not only an obligation but a way to show how much he's fully grown) while beautifully continuing his relationship with the person he fought so hard to be with. I absolutely 10000000% LOVE this writer. She's amazing.

January 28, 2018 at 8:20 AM

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Yeah I was so afraid the corporate stuff would lead somehow to Jia being forced/attempting to leave the country or some other such rubbish but instead the separation is for a reason that completely makes sense (obviously he has to serve since he'll finally be able to pass the physical exam) and Jia and Min-kyu don't put a pause on their relationship for it.

January 28, 2018 at 8:25 AM

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Yes, Writer-nim is amazing! For this great ending, I forgave her for the WTF-ending for Shine or Go Crazy! I totally didnt expect the separation to be the army obligation but the Australian trip that had been hinted at for some time. And I'm so happy that the writer chose this route instead. She managed to tick the boxes required in a kdrama finale but made it organically:
- forced separation ✔️
- time skip ✔️

And the best part is the forced separation occurred off screen!
The same goes for the angst - it felt part of the plot and it wasn't contrived, at least not to me. She even had a noble idiocy wormed into the script but smacked it down within minutes so thank you Writer-nim!

January 28, 2018 at 9:24 AM

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That's a really good point about the army discharge/return scene instead of a wedding (because DUH they'll get married) - Min-kyu wanted normalcy, and now he has it, with all the obligations it entails. And I don't think he'd ever have it any other way.

Also agreed on the scene between Min-kyu and Chairman Hwang - I love that he's openly declaring his support of Yoo-chul and Ri-el as well as their desire to do things differently. It's what they call heaping coals of fire on his head.

January 28, 2018 at 9:59 AM

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Probably the most genius leap I've seen in a Kdrama. Army is the most realistic and probable scenario and something every Korean man goes through. I've seen over 150 and the only other leap I genuinely liked was in YFAS because I thought that was organic and needed. But it wasn't genius, and this is lol.

Really loved that last scene with Chairman Hwang. I think in the end the writer intended to redeem in a very minor way both Ri-el and Yoo-chul's fathers. And the only way to do that was for all three of the younger kids to tell them how wrong they were, and how they'll be so much different and still be even more successful. As they say, the best kind of revenge is being happy. And I know all three of them, having restored their friendship and having each other's support, are all indeed happy.

January 28, 2018 at 10:04 AM

Also note how Chairman Hwang was silenced by Min-kyu's words - in the beginning, he starts off contemptuous and insulting, but by Min-kyu's last word, he's just quiet, like he really heard him.

Similarly with Ri-el, though her father said nothing the whole time, he's always had the last word before, and doesn't mince his words. I think the kids succeeded in making them feel shame, which is maybe really the thing they needed most.

January 28, 2018 at 11:02 AM

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Shame is exactly right. I think they got through the oldies which is the most we can ask for. At the end of the day, they still love their parents. And Min-kyu loves them which means despite everything, he still tried to salvage whatever he could with Yoo-chul's father on behalf of Yoo-chul. I think the beauty of it was really emphasizing on the kids relationships with each other and how different they will obviously be.

It's such a nice way to end the corporate stuff. Because really, we didn't see much of it and yet the writer managed to end it with a meaningful ending for our beloved characters. And that's just awesome!

January 28, 2018 at 10:05 AM

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The the army scene was a perfect book-end with the opening scene of the drama (and I love symmetry).

The show opened with Min-kyu displaying the full scale of his human allergy to the army admission board, armed with gloves, baton and injections. It ends with him having been in the army - it's a visual reminder that he's now healed.

January 28, 2018 at 11:25 AM

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Actually, the first time MK discovered that he can handle touching people on his own (before running to the hospital to hug dr oh) my first thought was: "does this mean that he can't skip army duty anymore?". Then things happened and forgot about it. Then this happens. That ending was so perfect it's not even funny.

January 28, 2018 at 7:42 PM

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The use of the leap. I think this particular one in INAR was rather ingenious. When the camera panned to reveal Min-kyu in army fatigues and black beret returning home after his discharge at the same time it framed a picture that many people in Korea I am sure would have been familiar with. That picture is the actual Dec. 4, 2014 image of the 21 year old Yoo Seung-ho at his discharge from the Army. The only difference is that in most of the pictures I have seen of that event YSH is in tears. I think it was a brilliant idea.

January 28, 2018 at 7:58 PM

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He cried a lot when he came back. And he went so young too so Koreans were really proud of him and still so protective even until now. He apparently used his original uniform too and just changed the name from Yoo Seung-ho to Kim Min-kyu. Isn't that super adorbs?

If we didn't get this leap, I'd probably already love the ending. But that we got it and that it was picture perfect made it just the more sweeter ❤️

January 28, 2018 at 7:12 AM

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This show left me with a great fullness. So satisfied with the show in so many ways. Lost for words. Just BIG ENORMOUS THUMBS UP to all the actors, writers, directors for creating this gem despite the ratings, and cold winter.
Learnt so much from it :)
I just like everything, the pain was raw and real it hurt, the sweetness is just overload, the life lessons are in my heart to stay and mold me.
Satisfied.

January 28, 2018 at 7:15 AM

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Wow, I really love this show. The show starts with the women being treated as property, and then they developed to be successful people in their own right. The show makes my heart sing and makes me squeal with the puppy love.

Yoo Seung Ho is so charming even though he is not very handsome - I don’t like his military look. He is so good at emoting with his eyes.

Chae Soo Bin has really nailed her different roles, each giving various vibes.

There are some things that don’t make sense, such as the umbrella, but the show is still well made. Even the bumbling fools are not irritating like the ones from strong woman. The cast is well chosen.

January 29, 2018 at 10:04 PM

January 28, 2018 at 7:25 AM

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Min-kyu telling people to go to the places he visited with Jia cause they're his favorite and said people being like 'really?' is my favorite thing, god bless him. Chingu-mode just ended me, CSB is the cutest being on this planet and I had to replay that part twice because I was squeeing too loud the entire time. They're such dorks! I'm glad they're able to joke about it so soon! And the way Min-cute (I'm so sorry I had to at least once) said the command was so adorable, agh! Fools!

I felt the development of the rest of the cast was a bit disappointing? It mostly focused on their relationships instead of personal growth (unlike with Jia and Min-kyu who got what they wished for back in episode 1 and GOSH I love perfect circles and if that last kiss wasn't their LAST kiss I would have loved it but it just made me miserable.) I hoped to see Pi teaching AND getting the man. And Sun-hye's cafe bursting with clients. And... anything but that terrible english accent for Ssan-ip, lol.

The only things I hated was that a)we didn't get to see them all together in Min-kyu's light-filled house and b)THE NECKLACE when and how did he give it to her are they married?? engaged?????? you can't leave me like this, PD-nim!!!!!

Thanks, @saya and @teriyaki for your lovely recaps full of clever insights and feels, you were a great part of why I enjoyed this drama so much. And so was the entire dramabeans community. I love you, you funny, brilliant people, you made me more miserable when the drama wasn't pulling any punches and happier when it served us bunnies and flowers and sunshine. I hope 2018 doesn't let us down.

Anyway that was a good season's finale, when does the shooting start for the next one? :)

January 28, 2018 at 7:37 AM

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I'm confused - you didn't like the last kiss? It made you miserable? No way. Don't believe that for a moment lol. Must be something I missed there.

And ugh, how love is it that they can just joke about the deception so soon? It means Min-kyu has completely accepted it as just a part of an experience. It's so adorkable gosh. Chingu-mode is like the cutest thing this world has seen.

Also, from the previous episode, remember Min-kyu asked her why his home can't just be hers? And they giggled like teenagers? I'll take that as after that innnnnntense kiss, he proposed with the necklace. They got engaged in the next few months, then he served the army. So she moved in his place soon after (or before if Min-kyu had his way lol)

January 28, 2018 at 7:45 AM

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honey, I was a beige-colored Grinch the entire episode with sporadic bursts of laughter. I hate when my favorite things end, I'm mad even now while I'm writing this comment under the LAST RECAP UGH I hate this! I hate this!!! I refuse to let go!
my money is on Min-kyu waiting for another meteor shower to propose cause boy do these kids love inside jokes and repeating everything over and over

January 28, 2018 at 7:59 AM

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But it's not the last recap? Are u confused? We have two episodes next week and the week after that then after that. And then a whole new season as promised by Baek-gyun himself.

And true. Min-kyu is big on full circles. This episode alone has 3(?) Chingu-mode, dip-kiss, military service. I just know they're engaged because how domestic and mundane can a reunion conversation be? They'll get married soon. I'm excited! Yay!

January 28, 2018 at 9:18 AM

Wasn't Tilda still infuriatingly running around free? The next season should also include bringing johny justice. And yes! Those evil investors who were trying to stop Jia from seeing Min-kyu? They must be Tilda's henchmen because she's frustrated that Jia didn't carry on her legacy of betrayal. Also, season two should be about Aji-3's new boyfriend.

(Because I refuse to believe Aji-3 is physically torn apart - I just believe she has amnesia and remembers no one but how to interact with people). Don't tell me other wise. I'm not listening. Lalalallalalalallalalala

January 28, 2018 at 9:29 AM

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@cloggie omg you're RIGHT!!! and they're white as well!!! the Illuminati killed Min-kyu's parents confirmed!
man season 2 sounds dark and I can't wait to see MK and Jia living together again! does she break French perfume bottles every time they argue just to amuse him? do they roleplay in bed? do they borrow each other's sweaters cause they own at least 3 that match?

January 28, 2018 at 9:44 AM

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You guys, you're going for a genre-change in season 2, it's about to become an action thriller XD

I feel like with Min-kyu's apparent love of circles and the presence of the Illuminati, you need to find room for a crop circle in the plot. Maybe that's how Tilda's been hiding, and now Thug Martin and Igor are after her to make her give up the secret. And Johnny's not really dead, but being held captive--they faked his death knowing how it would affect Min-kyu, and Tilda was actually framed.

January 28, 2018 at 9:50 AM

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@saya I think what happened was that Tilda was actually a robot nurse pretending to be a human, then Thug Martin stole her and dismantled her (and claimed she'd run away), and this was why Johnnie died.

January 28, 2018 at 10:25 AM

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I refuse to believe Johnny is evil. I think the doctor is the mastermind. you think he's incompetent but he maliciously used Min-kyu's psychological issues for money. he murdered Johnny to break Jia and MK apart and I think he's anti-robot?? so I could totally see him as the main antagonist next season. the possibilities are endless, good thing all you gotta do to get YSH to agree to star in a drama is to tell him he can keep kissing CSB if he agrees.

January 28, 2018 at 11:25 AM

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OMG @vivanesca , you're brilliant. Of course! It was the doctor all along because if Min-kyu would be healed, he'd lose his main source of income. It was very suspicious how Tilda disappeared and Johnnie died only days after he'd been to visit!

January 28, 2018 at 8:17 PM

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@liquidsoap @Cloggie I have suspicions about Tilda:
1) her first appearance she is innocuous and helps Johnny in his day to day life.
2) she's white
3) bam, seemingly out of nowhere she causes Johnny's death
4) she disappears
5) her name: T i l D a
You guys, Tilda, is ToD.

January 29, 2018 at 8:28 AM

If Johnny's death was indeed faked and Tilda was framed, will Season 2 be a revenge-melo a la The Count of Monte Cristo to get back at Dr. Oh? (Tilda could very well be Jia's secret financier and her henchmen are now talking to Jia about her heart lamps.) Who was Dr. Oh conspiring with against Tilda? I need to know!

January 29, 2018 at 8:51 AM

It will be a revenge-melo/ rom-com crossover drama because there just aren't enough of those in the world.

There are some sound practical reasons why we do not want to expand the role of Tilda above the 10s cameo, so therefore the revenge on the Doctor will be taken by Tilda's Korean half-sister - with hilarious consequences.

Needless to say, we're still working out the details but heart-lamps will feature prominently.

January 29, 2018 at 9:44 AM

January 29, 2018 at 9:56 AM

Birth secret involving a half sister ✔ A revenge melo for the ages ✔ Heart lamps ✔ I'm in! (Last request, I'd really appreciate a weekend drama so that I can get 52 episodes or more of all of this goodness with a lot of makjang. Thanks in advance!)

January 29, 2018 at 1:18 PM

January 28, 2018 at 9:29 AM

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I guess they had to change Aji-3's face and erase her memory folder for the sake of Jia and Min-kyu's privacy but I refuse to believe the Santa Maria team took her apart. No way! They might have developed the tech to upgrade their next robot but I believe Aji-3 is still out there.

January 28, 2018 at 4:29 PM

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Lol that meteor shower probably happened even before Min-kyu enlisted considering Jia was wearing the necklace in her meeting with the investors! I honestly believe they are engaged.

Aji-3 didn't get scrapped. She. Did. Not. She is around and now has a new boyfriend in that new robot. They are all waiting for Min-kyu and Jia who were busy kissing each other rather than going inside away from the freezing death. Don't tell me otherwise, I'm not listening lalalalalala.

And honestly I didn't genuinely care for the corporate stuff so Madame X was really not that big of a deal for me. I thought it was obviously the butler considering they've hinted so many times and he also did admit to Min-kyu that everyone lies (including him). If it was him directly or the Interpol woman he was with - I'm not that interested. I just know he looks out for Min-kyu in his own way which is satisfying enough.

January 28, 2018 at 5:00 PM

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They actually are super common! The ones MK and Jia were NOT seeing were probably the Geminids (the most impressive), but there's another meteor shower happening in December so he didn't have to wait long lol.
I mean... in northern hemisphere at least.

January 28, 2018 at 8:14 AM

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Chingu-mode was the best ever, I loved Min-kyu with Jia-as-Aji3 so much but I love him with Jia as herself way more, if that's even possible. And it's not just because the angst and lying are over, they're just so perfect together.

I did like Yoo-chul's development though, and Ri-el's early on when it became clear she wasn't your hateful second lead, just a really cool girl who was a good person but wrong for Min-kyu. But the Santa Maria team mainly got the relationship stuff.

I still can't believe this is the last recap and now our thumbnail is going to move to 'completed' *sob* I loved this drama, and loved discussing and fangirling almost equally, so thank you to all of you guys for the awesome comments (and the bts talk, ahem). It's not every day you get a drama that starts off seeming AI but then turns out to be a mix of elements from Beauty and the Beast and the Velveteen Rabbit.

January 28, 2018 at 8:50 AM

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Chingu-mode was what made me love this drama in the first place. Suddenly I didn't have to worry about "I love you master" and other slave/owner motives... Jia was able to remain a person throughout the entirety of the drama and when scorned Min-kyu treated her like an object (2nd date with Riel), she called him out on it immediately. He treated her personality like a treasure from the beginning and it was clearly something he craved, so that was also a great commentary on how equality improves lives of all genders and haha wow I'm gonna miss this fairytale way too much my heart is breaking in half

January 28, 2018 at 9:05 AM

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Yeah I really liked how the ownership/object issue re: fauxbot was dealt with, right down to Jia getting pissed off and thinking "it's MY body!" when Baek-gyun told Min-kyu not to touch her-as-Aji3. Same with Ri-el putting her foot down over being bartered for company shares. And finally, Aji-3 herself deciding she doesn't like her new owners, so she walks off to find the old ones (albeit they still had to change her face and reset her memories to do right by Min-kyu and Jia).

I do love that what Min-kyu wanted all along was love and companionship, which he didn't really expect from a robot (he was willing to settle) but actually found in spades from Jia when she was allowed to be herself.

January 28, 2018 at 4:41 PM

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I loved that MK would start off his day by ordering a friend delivery. Like for the past 15 years he was all about respect and coldness and keeping people at baton's length and then some girl assaults him and a robot-girl insults him and he's like 'yes I need more of that' to both of them.

January 28, 2018 at 7:31 AM

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Separate dedication post for the team because I'm cheating the character count system lol.

YSH has been nothing short of marvellous. If I had one oscar to give out, I'd give it to him because he knows how to milk every single glance and make me feel whatever the heck he wants me to feel. Min-kyu's glass breaking, heart burning, gut wrenching monologue was such a classic. I don't believe any drama can ever top that scene in my heart. He was just of a different level in it and I couldn't be more proud. Ruler was a bit of a disappointment last year because while he hard carried the drama, the PD was such a micromanager. Seung-ho rarely acted on instinct which was quite evident. But here he just let himself go. The PD and him obviously had an awesome relationship which was evident in the BTS. Fingers crossed they pair up again.

CSB is one heck of a talented actress. She's bubbly, bright and simply so pleasant to watch on screen. I hope she keeps rising because she has definite potential to be an A-lister. And then the writer. It could've gone really wrong, but she left the company crap aside and focused on the romance, families and friendships instead allowing it to take centre stage. The heart of this drama is so huge it's bursting at the seams. Love this writer and I'm genuinely looking forward to her next project.

January 28, 2018 at 8:35 AM

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Yeah, it's such a lovely drama and such fantastic work from everyone involved, the low ratings feel extra unfair because if it was up to me, this team would be getting rewarded left and right for doing such a good job. I really like this PD's style, he had these bright colours in W too and it lends this extra layer of warmth to INAR which really works.

Yoo Seung Ho really blew me away in that monologue, it's something else (even if this was supposed to be a romcom, and here he was, making us shed buckets again but with an extra layer of hurt). I think I said it before, I wasn't always a big fan of him as a romantic lead because the chemistry was so often 'off' but here he proved that last weak spot was gone too, and how!

January 28, 2018 at 9:30 AM

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The PD is amazing! I loved W until around ep 12 (after which I dropped it) and specifically loved his style. I love how he allows his actors to take charge and bring a flavour to characters that was originally not in the script. I felt that in W and K2H and here it's all the more evident.

As for YSH, oh definitely. Before this, I thought the only other actress that matched him so well and who had fantastic chemistry with him was Park Eun-bin('92). Tho I have an overall theory regarding this: I believe in his current age, he creates best chemistry with people around his age group exclusively. YEH, PMY are a bit too old for him. KSH a bit too young. Go Ara and him were quite cute but there's still a lack of real spark. Of course, chemistry isn't created by one person, so both sides were a bit lacking.

On the other hand, he had explosive chemistry with Ruler's second lead Yoon So-hee('93). She cannot act whatsoever but when they had silent moments, I could literally see electricity. It was energy and real chemistry. Obviously CSB shouldn't even be discussed/compared because they are a match made in heaven lol.

"Scientific reference" 😂 😂 suuuuure. And since it's a research, I'd like for you to please share your findings. I'm very interested in your... ahem... subject topic. I can also share my... basic knowledge to help improve your research. It's all for science!

January 28, 2018 at 9:55 AM

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That's actually a good point about his/costars' ages, so much of chemistry often boils down to people being comfortable with each other and I imagine it's probably easier for him to be that way with actresses who are within about 2-3 years of his age range. And I do remember Yoon So-hee, her acting was terrible but yeah she and our boy really did vibe well. It's funny how it works.

About my study of the video...more detailed research and closer examination/repeated rewatching is required, in order to present findings. One could probably call that 'deep learning'? 😉

January 28, 2018 at 10:46 AM

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Yoon So-hee's acting was abysmal to be mild and downright horrifying to be honest. She was bad as soon as she said a line - sageuk was just not her thing. But I clearly recall the scene where Seung-ho closes her mouth to stop her from making noise -both in his green house and in that island(?) - the way they stared at each other... there were sparks in those characters. So much that I felt Seung-ho wasn't acting it out correct because he's not supposed to feel anything for her! But that's the PD's call (based on BTS) so yea. It seems like a lot of fans felt the same in YT too despite KSH being the superior actress. Definitely he's much more suited with actresses in his same age range.

Lol, your study sounds extremely intense. Deep learning takes time. But I'm impatient for results so please report on that as soon as anything significant shows up in your tests.

February 3, 2018 at 12:00 AM

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Different people see the same ting in an an entirely different perspective. I think they also have a completely other understanding. Both are legitimate as they are subjective. I for one entirely disagree with you but casting and direction do make or break a drama. As for Korean's I think they are completely in the dark about what makes a good drama. I also think in real life their politics are ludicrous - by fawning over Kim Jung and NK they are handing him a coup and lending him legitimacy. They are political pygmys.

January 28, 2018 at 9:32 AM

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Ugh yes, I agree with everything. The leads were my first reason for being excited about this show right at the outset. (I'm not joking when I say I've been begging for months to recap this! thank you overlords!) Honestly, I didn't care too much about what kind of a drama INAR was going to be--whatever it was, this cast was going to elevate it: of that much, I was certain. Yoo Seung-ho? Chae Soo-bin? Sign me up NOW. The only thing I hoped for from the genre was that Yoo Seung-ho wouldn't be used to crack our hearts open like coconuts, because I also watched all those last several dramas he did, where the entire point was to make him (and me) cry forever. At best, I thought it would be an oddball of a drama, a quirky little romance that would be cute and feel-good; it didn't need to be memorable or particularly deep.

I always wonder, when I love the show I'm recapping, whether it's because I'm watching it so closely, or if that depth and craftsmanship is there from the start. Like, are Sassy Go Go and Solomon's Perjury as objectively excellent and meaningful as I found them to be? I want to say yes, but it's hard to take the step back when you're in that deep. With this show, I was aware of the lukewarm (sometimes negative) reaction to the casting, as well as its subsequent criticism, but my love of the leads was so great that it didn't take a dent.

I wish we could get lead pairings of actors closer in age like this more often, it really does make a difference.

January 28, 2018 at 9:45 AM

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My sincere opinion on Sassy Go Go and Solomon's Perjury is that they are really that good. I watched SGG some months after it ended and SP while it was being recapped but I didn't comment so I didn't really refer to db on it, I independently think they are two of the best school dramas ever. It helps that they deal with things that feel like realistic concerns for actual students, like study pressures and mental health, instead of any unrealistic or makjang-ish stuff. That's a pretty brilliant thing really.

And you're right that Yoo Seung Ho and Chae Soo Bin really elevated this drama in a big way. I also checked it out because of them, they took what could have been silly or cheesy and made it magic.

January 28, 2018 at 10:38 AM

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I have a belief that sometimes when I'm too deeply or emotionally involved in a drama, then objectivity goes right out of the window. Sometimes I consciously know a drama isn't great, but somehow I love it to the end of the world despite all those flaws and no one can convince me otherwise.

But I don't think INAR is a part of that crop. Because usually I'd be pushing that idea in my mind but here I'm so genuinely in awe of how awesome this drama is. And I totally 1000000000% agree with you that dramaland desperately - DESPERATELY- needs some more closer-age pairings.

I remember this drama being announced with CSB first. In my mind I said, instead of doing that super melodramatic MBC drama, can't YSH do this instead because they'd be such dolls together. Then I come over to the comments section to write that and there I see everyone saying YSH was indeed offered this. I remember even writing this in the comments section - how shocked I was that my fantasy pairing somehow came true lol.

They've been an amazing pair. And I know that because some of the most rational people ship them in RL lol. And that's the biggest testament to organic natural chemistry. I don't care that the ratings weren't great. I think both of them would be proud that they did this, and I think they've gained a lot from it as actors. If they also gained each other then that's just my personal bonus 😂 sorry I just HAD to add that. Apologies 😂

May 2, 2018 at 8:29 PM

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I'm really curious to know what you thought about Warrior Baek Dong Soo. I normally love sageuk but I wasn't able to finish this one. I will still remember the immense chemistry between JCW and YSH for a long long time!